DOHA, Qatar – April 4, 2016 – Starwood Hotels & Resorts (NYSE:HOT), just celebrated the grand opening of The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa, in partnership with Ghanem Al Thani Holdings, headed by Sheikh Ghanem al Thani. Located in the heart of Qatar’s rapidly growing capital, the hotel is poised to introduce a new level of wellness to downtown Doha. This opening marks Westin’s debut in the country and reinforce the brand’s growth in the region, with hotels opening in the UAE, Jordan, Oman and Saudi Arabia within the next three years.

“In response to an increasing global demand for wellness, we are seeing tremendous growth in the Middle East; and we are delighted to introduce the Westin brand in Qatar,” said Brian Povinelli, Global Brand Leader, Westin Hotels & Resorts. “Unlike any hotel in the market, The Westin Doha is sure to deliver the brand’s well-being promise allowing guests to leave feeling better than when they arrived.”

The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa features 365 thoughtfully-designed guestrooms and suites, including five expansive pool villas and an impressive presidential suite. The nine-story hotel’s crisp limestone and glass façade floods the space with natural light, while a custom art installation anchors the atrium-like foyer to create a modern sense of arrival. Featured throughout the hotel, meandering paths and lush botanicals reinforce Westin’s biophilic design principles, which suggest a connection to nature enhances well-being.

The hotel features The Heavenly Spa by Westin™, inviting guests to relax and recharge in a serene sanctuary within the bustling city. With nine treatment rooms as well as dedicated female and male spa areas, the expansive spa offers customized experiences from healing massages and cleansing facials, to energizing body treatments and Hammam.

For a more active well-being experience, the airy surroundings of the WestinWORKOUT® fitness studio features the finest exercise equipment whether guests are looking to elevate their energy on the treadmill, tone up with strength machines or de-stress by stretching with complimentary yoga mats. In addition, the hotel offers an indoor and outdoor infinity pool as well as squash courts tucked away for guests to enjoy at their leisure.

The hotel also features the city’s first man-made wave pool, which has proven to be popular with families. As part of the brand’s global Westin Family program, the hotel also offers signature amenities and interactive programming that draws inspiration from the destination and nature to promote a sense of well-being.

The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa boasts seven delectable dining options: the Luxe Lounge, which welcomes guests with a relaxing ambience and offers organic gourmet food and beverage; located off the coffee lounge, Seasonal Tastes serves popular international fare and local Arabic specialties throughout the day, including the brand’s signature SuperFoodsRx™ menu; the Waves Pool Café offers healthy snacks and refreshing drinks poolside; while MIX Bar, Lounge & Terrace features cocktails with the largest terrace in Doha. The hotel also introduces two new dining concepts to Doha: the contemporary South African influenced Hunters Room & Grill as well as authentic Thai cuisine at Sabai Thai, which features a stunning show kitchen, private bar and luxurious décor.

Home to the second largest ballroom in Doha, the hotel also features over 3,000 square meters of function space. For an unforgettable wedding experience, The Westin Doha offers a beautiful venue, dedicated bride and groom dressing rooms, delicious cuisine and sublime details that create a wedding experience that's tailored to each guest’s personal style.

The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa is located right in the heart of Doha, few minutes away from Doha’s central business district, museums and unique cultural venues as well as Hamad International Airport, which is a mere 20 minute drive from the property.

The opening of The Westin Doha Hotel & Spa marks Starwood’s fourth hotel in Qatar. In the Middle East, Starwood currently operates 53 properties with a pipeline of nearly 40 hotels to open in the next five years. For more information, please visit www.westin.com.